Biologically Based Mental Illness

Definition

A biologically based mental illness refers to a psychiatric disorder that is primarily caused by biological factors, such as genetics or abnormalities in brain structure and function.

Related terms

Genetic Predisposition:

The increased likelihood of developing a specific condition (in this case, a mental illness) due to inherited genes.

Neurotransmitters:

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. Imbalances or abnormalities in these neurotransmitters have been linked to various mental disorders.

Brain Abnormalities:

Structural or functional irregularities within the brain, such as differences in size or activity levels, which can contribute to the development of mental illnesses.